Photo: Selangor Turf Club
For a horse who could not even leave his stall in Hong Kong, Choice Is Mine (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) has made remarkable transformation since his arrival in Malaysia.
The Turn Me Loose galloper took another big step forward when he overcame rough passages to win the RM100,000 Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup (1400m) at Selangor racecourse on Saturday.
The five-year-old started well and stayed in a handy fourth position until the straight where he had to change course twice.
At the 400m, jockey Uzair Sharudin on Choice Is Mine attempted to take run to the outside of Banker’s Two Six in front but the horse drifted out so he switched inwards instead.
Banker’s General was holding off Banker’s Two Six well at the 200m. Choice Is Mine was making up ground on the two leaders but lugged in badly.
Uzair managed to switch him out, took a split between the two runners and went after Banker’s General.
Choice Is Mine flashed home in the nick of time to beat Banker’s General by a short head. Anjou Crown was also doing splendid work at the finish to take third placing.
Choice Is Mine won his only run at three in New Zealand and was then purchased for racing in Hong Kong.
“When he (Choice Is Mine) came (to me), he had only one good foot,” recalled trainer Lawson Moy.
“He could not even go out for training in Hong Kong because of three very bad hoofs.
“My staff did a tremendous job in nursing him.
“He is a very light horse so I have been careful not to over-race him.”
Choice Is Mine has raced six times in the country for four wins and a second. His only blemish was an unplaced run in the Selangor Mile (1600m) back in July.
Any doubt about him not being able to stay the mile was answered last start when he beat Banker’s Victory.
“I am considering entering him for the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) in a month’s time,” Moy said.
“My instructions were to sit fourth or fifth in midfield but he jumped so well I didn’t want to hold back,” said Uzair.
“Besides, I was keeping an eye on Banker’s General in front as I knew if I got too far back it’s would be difficult to catch him.
“This was the first time I am riding the horse in a race but I did ride him in trackwork when he first came over from Hong Kong.”
